Should I get a Mac?

RickMezza

RickMezza

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I'm going to get a new computer and I'm considering a Mac. I've always used PCs and have been generally pretty happy with XP. Most new PCs now come with Vista anyway I guess.
Anyway I fancy getting a Mac and realise its a pretty big change cos I'll have to get new key software like Office, CS2 etc but I read that Macs have some advantages and wondered if the Mac/PC users could confirm them;
  • Less risk of getting virus/trojans etc.
  • More stable OS (less crashes/hanging).
  • Less rebooting when you install new software and updates.

Any other advantages :shrug:

Also, is the Mac computer hardware anymore reliable than PCs (I think this should be the case cos Apple make the computers so there should be less risk of incompatibilities between loads of different hardware manufactures' components such as processors, HDD, RAM, motherboards etc.

The computer will usually be used for Internet/email, wordprocessing, spreadsheets and photo editing (not into PC gaming, making videos or websites, watching DVDs etc).

If your wondering why I'm considering a Mac (even though I said I've been pretty pleased with XP) its cos of the constant threats of virus/hackers, frequent o/s and AV updates etc and some flaky components in the PC. I dunno, maybe Mac users have to put up with the same kinds of things:thinking:

I'm genuinely interested in Mac users' opinions on the above (particularly those who use PCs and Macs).

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Rich :)
 
yes, I have a mac and a PC, I don't use the PC for anything bar some games now. Mac goes with me everywhere, brilliant bit of kit, does my job perfectly :)

Homework, photos etc
 
I have worked with PCs & Macs for 15 years and have had more problems with them than with my PCs.

Maybe it is because they are being used in a work environment.

They have just the same problems as a PC except for the virus issue
 
You might like it, personally I am not a fan - have to use one for some of my work and its the most tempremental thing in the world!
 
Before this thread decends into chaos I'll post my honest view being a PC user of over 10 years and a Mac user of over 2.

My XP machine has been stable as anyone's for a good few years now. However I've always had this fascination with OSX and I always wanted to take a look. So I paid £300 for an old iMac G3 and had a play. I loved it. It confirmed that it was the route I wanted to go down. At the time the things I heard about Vista didn't appeal. Why would I have to get a stupidly powerful computer just to run an OS uglier than OSX? I didn't like the DRM rumours I kept hearing, and basically I saw no point in upgrading. 2 years ago I got a Mac Mini but it wasn't powerful enough to replace my PC at that time. I used it for email, IRC, chatting to friends and things. Basically my PC was for games and image processing, the Mac was for life stuff. When the Intel Mac's came out I knew it was finally time to fully switch. I knew that I could get an OSX machine and if I had any reservations I could install XP as a backup. I didn't need to.

Its been a year since I fully switched an at Xmas I realised just how nice its been. I got a TV card for my PC to turn it into a media centre. God that was a task. I had to install the OS, drivers, updates, and such. It was a nightmare trying to get the right drivers, trying to remember what the hell was actually in my PC. Why didn't it just work? This really made me realise just how nice the switch has been. Not once have I had to worry about driver updates. The stupidity of new drivers coming out and everyone fussing over the slightest revision number. Wow an extra 3 frames per second, great. I've never had to think about running a firewall or an anti-virus application. I ran them on my PC for years and never had an issue either, but it was always in your mind. Spyware, nope not had that either. Its like stepping back 5 years. You can get on with your daily work and life without that extra worry of being on the internet.

I still use my PC on a daily basis. Its essentially my TV now. Its great for that. It'll record my shows, then re-encode them so I can watch them on my Xbox later.

Software hasn't ever been an issue and I couldn't go back to using Windows on a daily basis because those little apps I love on OSX aren't on Windows. Quicksilver is brilliant. There's clones for Windows inspired by it but they're rubbish. Exposé is also fantastic. Adium is an MSN clone and its lovely to use. Bluephone Elite does very cool things with the proximity of my phone. iCal is great for managing my calendar. I run Lightroom and Photoshop just as easily as I would on Windows, no issue there for working. If I need Windows its there under Parallels.

Are they more stable? I can't say I've had any major issues on either side. My Windows box hasn't been stupidly unstable since Win9x. My Mac has had the occasional issue just as my Windows box has. You know the sort of thing. Windows can go a bit screwy as it does.

Should you switch? If you're tired of Windows and don't like the look of Vista then sure. OSX is a breath of fresh air. I've never had networking issues between the machines, or any other inter-os issues.
 
Dont buy a mac, just put linux on your PC

Much better than both and cheaper too (as its free :lol: )


:thumbs:
 
I tried Linux before I went to MCE2005. I was impressed by Ubuntu. However it lacked the ability to run Photoshop and things so I figured MCE2005 was the better option.


[YOUTUBE]S-LGTtdJqZs[/YOUTUBE]
Great video about workflow on OSX.

[YOUTUBE]HjVZt-G2qC8[/YOUTUBE]
Parallels coherence mode (XP inside OSX)
 
:agree: For me Pete has hit the nail, I've used macs for about 15-16 years through work, but when I wanted a system at home, I built a PC with help from my director at work about 15 months ago.

Touch wood I had no major problems, I don't run any virus software, just blast spybot once every couple of weeks. As it is now I don't think it will need upgrading for a year or two, but I don't fancy going the vista route.

The only reason I went PC at home was the cost nearly 2 years ago I couldn't afford around £2000 for the mac and screen.

But macs are easier to handle with what Pete said, if you can afford to go for it, if you are on some sort of college course or are a student/teacher you will qualify for educational discounts (BIG discounts) A copy of Quark 7.0 for education is something like £175, full price is about £750 :eek:

I am thinking later this year/2008 of going full mac setup, with CS3 and Lightroom etc...but thats a few pounds away yet.
 
petemc said:
I tried Linux before I went to MCE2005. I was impressed by Ubuntu. However it lacked the ability to run Photoshop and things so I figured MCE2005 was the better option.
Click to expand...


Linux can run pretty much anything now, especially with ubuntu.
ubuntu can even run another OS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QEMU or vmware).

Photoshop isnt the only editor either. pixel or gimp are real alternatives
 
I really wouldn't use gimp in place of Photoshop or Lightroom. I don't know any other professional photographer who would either. I guess if you're just editing some basic images sure, but I really wouldn't consider it an alternative.
 
cinepaint?

used by major editing a film making companies.
 
Macs are not more stable than Windows PC's. My PC NEVER, EVER crashes, neither does my missus' Mac. It's the software you install that crashes the average PC. It's the same for Virus' etc, if you fill your PC with rubbish from the internet you will get into trouble. As a rule Mac users are more careful and tidy with what they install.

Windows XP doesn't need many reboots (if any?! I can't recall having to reboot for a long long time) when installing new software/updates. Vista even less so.

It's crazy to say that tone OS is more risky to trojans than another. A trojan has to be installed in order to function, it's the USER that is responsible, not the OS.
 
This weekend I will be back at my parents doing a total reinstall of my dad's Window PC for the second time this year because of all the problems he has been having with drivers, things disappearing, or uninstalling themselves etc.

My now rather old Mac laptop has never had its OS reinstalled, and never had a virus despite never having had any protection either.

Others will probably have experiences the opposite of mine. But from working in IT supporting Windows environments I was far happier using a Mac.

Michael.
 
Yes, granted. But as you are an IT expert you'll be aware (no disrespect meant towards your Dad btw) of the crazy things people install and download that practically disable thier Windows PC.

Also, Macs are cleaner because there is a lot less crap available for them, and generally people only use 1 browser etc. In Windows there are at least 4 popular browsers, if everyone used IE we wouldn't have any problems with security, would we?

You should base your decision on which you prefer, you won't be abusing the OS like inexperienced users do so trojans, missing drivers etc won't be an issue to you.
 
BBW said:
Macs are not more stable than Windows PC's. My PC NEVER, EVER crashes, neither does my missus' Mac. It's the software you install that crashes the average PC. It's the same for Virus' etc, if you fill your PC with rubbish from the internet you will get into trouble. As a rule Mac users are more careful and tidy with what they install.

Windows XP doesn't need many reboots (if any?! I can't recall having to reboot for a long long time) when installing new software/updates. Vista even less so.

It's crazy to say that tone OS is more risky to trojans than another. A trojan has to be installed in order to function, it's the USER that is responsible, not the OS.
Click to expand...

Sensible words :thumbs:

FWIW I use PC's and MACs all day and work and without doubt the MACs get rebooted far more often that the PCs. One thing I would say though is that neither of my MACs have any anti virus software on them and they've never picked up a virus. In fact I've never even heard of a MAC getting a virus. The thought of not running AV on my PC's would scare me to death! It's a completely personal thing but I don't actually like MAC OS very much compared to Windows, especially Vista :). I know the arguement that all Microsoft do is make Windows more "MAC like" but IMHO they do it better :shrug: I mean why on earth do MACs STILL not have the right click feature on a mouse? It drives me mad!
 
Grendel said:
Sensible words :thumbs:

FWIW I use PC's and MACs all day and work and without doubt the MACs get rebooted far more often that the PCs. One thing I would say though is that neither of my MACs have any anti virus software on them and they've never picked up a virus. In fact I've never even heard of a MAC getting a virus. The thought of not running AV on my PC's would scare me to death! It's a completely personal thing but I don't actually like MAC OS very much compared to Windows, especially Vista :). I know the arguement that all Microsoft do is make Windows more "MAC like" but IMHO they do it better :shrug: I mean why on earth do MACs STILL not have the right click feature on a mouse? It drives me mad!
Click to expand...


The only OS virus free is Linux ;)
Mac's can get a virus.

Windows has the most critical flaws too.
Windows users have to wait for monthly pathches - Ubuntu which what i use is daily.


i like Windows TBH. Its not a bad OS IMO. Trouble is they cant change too much so its more secure cause everyones software wouldnt run and it wouldnt be too popular then.

if your prepared to try something new, linux is the future :thumbs:
 
if everyone used IE we wouldn't have any problems with security, would we?
Click to expand...

it is actually totally the opposite, its because everyone uses IE that there are so many problems. Not saying this is the caue of all problems, users are also responsible too. If a user installs something silly, it doesn't matter what browser you are running. This is overly simplified, but at work so have to be brief.
 
Grendel said:
Sensible words :thumbs:

FWIW I use PC's and MACs all day and work and without doubt the MACs get rebooted far more often that the PCs. One thing I would say though is that neither of my MACs have any anti virus software on them and they've never picked up a virus. In fact I've never even heard of a MAC getting a virus. The thought of not running AV on my PC's would scare me to death! It's a completely personal thing but I don't actually like MAC OS very much compared to Windows, especially Vista :). I know the arguement that all Microsoft do is make Windows more "MAC like" but IMHO they do it better :shrug: I mean why on earth do MACs STILL not have the right click feature on a mouse? It drives me mad!
Click to expand...

Well thats the thing. My Macbook Pro uptime is 30 days. My Mini has been up for 91 days. I've had my XP box up for 5 weeks before now. So which is the more stable platform? I think if you install every driver update and other update for Windows then you will reboot more. Then theres the whole internet issue. Given enough people, as we have here, and you'll get both sides of the argument :)

Now, the whole right mouse issue. My Macbook Pro has 1 button but clever features to enable 2 finger right click. That means if I tap 2 fingers on the trackpad it right clicks. 1 finger is left. All new Mac's come with a Mighty Mouse which has more than 2 buttons, but it cleverly looks like older 1 button mice. The reason why Apple did this years ago was because they didn't want to over complicate the GUI. I've had many people get scared when I ask them to right click. Its far easier to say "click the mouse." So all Apple mice look and act like the older ones so they don't suddenly scare people, but also have the added functionality for people who want more.
 
I work for a large publishing company and used Macs for years with very few problems. Someone decided last year it was a good idea to go over to PCs (cheaper aparently) and now work is constant hassle. PCs crash, are slow, and long-winded, the whole job is now tiresome and un-reliable, in all departments of the company.
 
That mouse thing is quite interesting Pete. I hadn't heard of the "Mighty Mouse". One of the things I always found strange with MAC OS is that right click functionality is actually there - if you plug a PC mouse into the USB socket of a MAC low and behold the right button works and does pretty much the same as it would do on a PC. Sounds like they've addressed that with the Mighty Mouse?
 
Yeah its all there. The OS fully supports right click and I use it often. For ease of use for newcomers they're presented with only 1 button. The Mighty Mouse.
 
ooo might have to get one of them mighty mouse/mice - £30 for the wired one!

EDIT - It even works with a pc :)
 
Thanks for the link Pete, that's a useful looking device :thumbs:
 
:lol: pmsl :lol:
 
Have used PC's since the dawn of time,.. well since 386's I have had plenty of experience with Windows right through to Vista. The restarts, constant updates, virus protection and ever increasing system requirments to run the OS is absurd. I used to run both Mac and PC. The Mac was an iBook G3 900 and OSX. At first I was a little bewildered at how it worked but come 2-3 weeks into using it I really enjoyed it. I decided to keep my PC running but last summer I simply got fed up of using Windows. It just takes more effort to get something done. My G3 900 was showing its age so I bought a Macbook Dual 2.0Ghz with 2GB's of RAM. I will never ever look back. It is fast, reliable, easy to use and I can run through 400+ RAW images using Aperture without a sneeze.

As for the mouse issue which Pete has kindly addressed. Mac has always supported right click via A mouse. They just didnt have a mouse that did it. Now with the Mighty Mouse and its multi button capabilities, bluetooth functions and sleek design you cant complain.

What you need to do is ask yourself what software you will be using and go from there.

Aperture is awesomely powerful by the way.

King.
 
BBW said:
Macs are cleaner because there is a lot less crap available for them, and generally people only use 1 browser etc. In Windows there are at least 4 popular browsers
Click to expand...

Sorry, I have no desire to get involved in a Mac vs Windows argument, but that is nonsense.

The vast majority of Windows users only use one browser, IE, for reasons of convenience (it being already installed) and experience (it is what they mostly likely will have used at work/school). This fact is supported by a quick look in the access stats of a very popular forum where I am an administrator which shows 87% of people access the site using IE (with a roughly even split between IE 6 and IE 7).

There are also several popular browsers available for the Mac, Firefox is just as much offered and used as an alternative to IE as it is to Safari (Apple's own browser).

BBW said:
You should base your decision on which you prefer, you won't be abusing the OS like inexperienced users do so trojans, missing drivers etc won't be an issue to you.
Click to expand...

While I agree with that sentiment whether or not missing drivers is an issue is more a case of luck than user ability.

My dad is someone very happy so long as he has IE, his (now rather old) photo program from a magazine cover CD, and his CD writer, scanner, and printer work. Despite him neither downloading nor installing anything things have still somehow gone missing from his computer, icons remain on the Start button Program menu but they no longer point to anything. And all he has done for this to happen is turn it on, use IE, and turn it off again. Nothing more.

But as I said before, this is just my personal experience and other people will probably be able to tell the opposite story.

Michael.
 
Thanks for the feedback so far everyone. I went and had a go with a Mac at PC World and I could'nt find my way around it at all. I'm sure I would soon get used to it though after a few days.
What I have to do now really is list all the apps I use (or need to use) on my PC and check if they have an equivalent on the Mac. Then I need to check how well documents (say) created in a Windows app at work will work in the equivalent Mac version of the software at home (MS Word for example).

Rich :)
 
I use NeoOffice for Word documents and it works fine. None of my clients have had any issues with them.
 
RickMezza said:
Thanks for the feedback so far everyone. I went and had a go with a Mac at PC World and I could'nt find my way around it at all. I'm sure I would soon get used to it though after a few days.
What I have to do now really is list all the apps I use (or need to use) on my PC and check if they have an equivalent on the Mac. Then I need to check how well documents (say) created in a Windows app at work will work in the equivalent Mac version of the software at home (MS Word for example).

Rich :)
Click to expand...

I've read you all and now jump in.:cuckoo: I used PC from 166khz onwards but feel that to compare my total experience on PC to my 3yr experience on Macs to be unfair. So. My latest PC was custom built using pentium 4 etc. specifically for 'photoshop' 'website management' 'office' 'surfing'. I ran my business through it. It was the investment in time, effort and money to keep the thing running smoothly that I finally objected to. I found that to prevent myself from becoming my own IT man that employing an IT man was essential. I wanted to USE the PC NOT be its keeper. Try a Mac I was advised. So I bought a G4 powerbook. 1.33 ghz processor and 12in screen.
Pathetic?? No Way!! This little box took over - onsite editing PS- all 'e'mail - all letters - surfing - in fact everything except accounts which my then partner decided she wanted to keep on the PC.. In retirement I run G5 Power Mac 4 x 2.5 ghz processors plus bells and whistles. Is it better?? Damn right. Is software a problem ? Hell no - its a joy. Logitech mouse + modem are the only non Mac hardware. Hoever you should run IMO spam/virus software and at least the built in Firewall just incase. Summary. The Macs IMHO are more reliable, easier to use and more productive because of it. They look good and although they look expensive VFM is very high. Advice - Go for it.
 
RickMezza said:
What I have to do now really is list all the apps I use (or need to use) on my PC and check if they have an equivalent on the Mac. Then I need to check how well documents (say) created in a Windows app at work will work in the equivalent Mac version of the software at home (MS Word for example).

Rich :)
Click to expand...

Then knowing you, you'll still be thinking it over for another 2 years :lol: Just get yourself a big MAC instead :exit:
 
I have a desktop Dell XPS and a Mac book Pro. I use the XPS for gaming (used very rarely) and the wife uses it for her e-mail and general browsing.

I do all my stuff on the Mac, that is e-mail, surfing, photo work (lightroom and photoshop), web design (dreamweaver) and video catalogs(idive).

One of the things that is rarely mentioned is the software for the mac which isn't available for the PC. There is a piece of software called i-dive which I have used to import, compress and organise 15 hours of camcorder tape into easily found clips. It is almost worth getting a mac for this software alone.

Another thing is creating MPEG videos from DVDs - Handbrake for the mac is free software that makes creating MPEG4 files for ipods, PSPs, and even mobile phones from DVDs incredibly easy. On the PC it is a pain in the neck.

I have also had fun creating comics from photos with Comic Life (comes free with the mac). ichat is much better than skype or msn messenger (only with other mac users though :()

I'm told the music software bundled with the macs is also excellent - not my bag though...
 
minimeeze said:
Then knowing you, you'll still be thinking it over for another 2 years :lol: Just get yourself a big MAC instead :exit:
Click to expand...

Oi cheeky. I know I'm a tight git, but you never know....;)
 
Iv had windows and i would never have another, mac os is far more user friendly and if you by a different mouse you can use left and right clic i now have 2 macs and id never go back to widows sick of all the anti virus you have to have and then you still get viruses and Trojans all i have on my macs is the built in fire wall:) :) :)
 
Rick,

IMHO, from what you have said about your uses for your new computer - stick with a PC. Get some decent virus software ..... zone alarm firewall, avg antivirus and adaware are all free and will keep you more than protected from viruses providing you don't download / install any dodgy programs / email links.

You're hapy with XP - probably have all the software you need for the PC - if it ain't broke why fix it?

From a dedicated PC user who can't understand Macs ;)

Anth.
 
Arkady said:
No.
Click to expand...

OK, thats made my mind up then - I'll get one tonight ;)

magpieant said:
Rick,

IMHO, from what you have said about your uses for your new computer - stick with a PC. Get some decent virus software ..... zone alarm firewall, avg antivirus and adaware are all free and will keep you more than protected from viruses providing you don't download / install any dodgy programs / email links.

You're hapy with XP - probably have all the software you need for the PC - if it ain't broke why fix it?

From a dedicated PC user who can't understand Macs ;)

Anth.
Click to expand...

'magpieant'
you've pretty much summed up the way I'm thinking at the moment really reagrding software etc. I *do* want to get a Mac now, cos its new and different and might be better in many ways, but when I add up how much it'll cost me ontop of the hardware to get s/w such as CS2, Mac version of Office etc, it starts to look really expensive.

I've got all the firewall/ antivirus stuff already and its kept my computer clean to date, so I havent actually had any probs with those yet - its just the threat and the frequent updates that bother me.

Anyway, I guess I'll think about it for at least another...ummm year or two (knowing me ;) )

Rich
 
I've had PC's for over 10yrs, but bought a MacBook last year to replace my main PC. I was a little worried about the change at first, but really wouldn't change now as this is by far the best computer i've ever owned. I still have my PC though (it's my TV now), and work on PC's every day as a .NET developer.

I just like the way everything works together on OS X, and how it all seems a lot simpler. Another interesting thing is that the vast majority of apps are very consistent in their appearance and how the work, which makes things a lot easier!!

It's also good to have a computer than doesn't need rebooting all the time. I never turn this laptop off unless there's an update or something to install. So it's on for a month or so at a time, and wakes very quickly from sleeping :)

It's also good to not have to run intrusive anti-virus/spyware software all the time (yes this may change, but not for a while!).

Ask away if you have any specific questions :)
 
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